There were a handful of very good volunteers at the Abbotsford COVID-19 immunization clinic recently.
The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program put in a shift at the clinic in an effort to help soothe the nerves people experiencing fear or anxiety at the clinic.
Receiving an immunization can be a stressful experience for anyone. Therapy dogs are known to help reduce these feelings by offering affection and emotional support to those who are receiving their immunizations.
So it was all paws on deck for this fluffy crew.
Upon arrival, therapy dogs Willow and Kona set off to work with a wag of their tails, eager to brighten the days of visitors by turning fears into smiles.
鈥淎ll ages, all sizes 鈥� when your nerves are rattled, your nerves are rattled,鈥� says Barbara, a volunteer from the St. John Therapy Dog Program and therapy dog owner. Her furry partner-in-action, Sophie, met with clinic visitors as requested, providing comfort with her calming and empathetic demeanour.
No two therapy dogs are alike.
Jester鈥檚 approach to care delivery was to hop onto a chair next to a visitor and place his head on their legs, letting them pet him as they received their immunization. He even helped soothe one child with a comforting lick on the cheek. The child was so delighted they didn鈥檛 even notice the immunization.
鈥淭he St. John鈥檚 Therapy Dogs have been a welcome addition to the Ag-Rec COVID-19 Testing and Immunization Centre Clinic team,鈥� says Jo Demet, patient care coordinator. 鈥淚 have noticed that stress and tension always seem to decrease when they are on site. We could have a room full of anxious children but with one lap around the space from one of our furry friends and the entire room lightens up.鈥�
And it鈥檚 certainly not just the kids who delight in the visits.
鈥淲hat a positive difference the therapy dogs made to the vaccination experience, not only for the children, but also for the staff and all the citizens we vaccinated,鈥� says Liz Findlay, director of regional specialized populations requiring immunization.
For updated information on our current COVID-19 immunization clinics, including hours of operation, visit .
Anyone five years of age and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and may register on the Get Vaccinated provincial system to be notified of when to book an appointment.
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